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There are three basic choices (assuming that you can't or don't want to pick up TV signals with rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna). Basic analog cable, digital cable, and satellite. Basic cable, generally the least expensive option, also offers the fewest options for programming. Digital cable gets you dozens, sometimes hundreds, of channels, as well as on-demand services and a high-speed Internet connection; all those options have a price. Satellite service, like digital cable, offers tiers of programming and on-demand services.
Use this checklist to help decide which is best for you.
- Think about the level of programming you want. These are the major differences:
- Basic cable generally offers little more than local channels.
- Local channels are not available in all satellite markets
- High definition programming is more limited on satellite
- Movies are available on demand with digital cable
- Determine whether you can receive satellite signals at your home and whether you want a satellite dish on your roof. Satellite TV requires a satellite dish for reception. The dish must have an unobstructed view of the southern horizon to receive signals from orbiting satellites. Not all locations are well-suited for receiving satellite signals.
- Decide what kind of programming you want most. According to the most recent Consumer Reports study of cable vs. satellite service, digital cable is the best choice for movie fans, because of the video-on-demand capability. If you want top picture quality, choose satellite. And if you're a sports fan, you can choose digital cable or satellite.
- Service to more than one TV set might cost more. With standard cable, you don't have to rent a converter box for every room. You do if you want digital or premium services on every set. Satellite requires a receiver for every set. Providers generally charge a fee for each receiver or converter box.
- HDTV costs extra with satellite, but is usually included in the price of digital cable. With satellite, you'll need a special receiver, at extra expense, to handle HDTV signals. HDTV is also more expensive via cable TV, because you'll have to upgrade to digital.
- Consider how you want to access the Internet. Cable modems, broadband connections provided by cable TV companies, are comparable in price to DSL broadband connections from the phone company; expect to pay about $40 a month for broadband. High-speed Internet over satellite is more expensive.
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